Duke Energy Foundation has awarded Wayne Community College a $25,000 grant to support its workforce training programs. This investment will help WCC build the next generation of skilled energy workers and support the community’s future growth.
The grant will be used to purchase equipment for WCC’s educational program with dual-enrolled high school students at Wayne School of Engineering. Students can take courses in WCC’s Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, and Computer-Integrated Machining programs, leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree and the chance to earn industry credentials.
“We are deeply grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for their generous $25,000 grant,” said Dr. Patty Pfeiffer, WCC president. “This funding will significantly enhance our ability to support local high school students, providing them with valuable educational opportunities and resources to prepare them for successful futures.”
“The impact will be felt by not only the students directly, but also the entire Wayne County community as we continue to foster growth, innovation, and skilled workforce development right here at home,” Pfeiffer said.
This grant is part of Duke Energy’s ongoing commitment to workforce development efforts in North Carolina, which now totals $6.6 million over the last five years.
“As our state and industry continue to grow, North Carolina’s community colleges are helping us meet the moment,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “As technologies change and we modernize our energy fleet, we want talent here in the state to help us support our communities and build a smarter energy future for customers.”
As Duke Energy continues to deploy modern energy infrastructure and meet the needs of a growing state, Duke Energy Foundation is investing in programs that will build the next generation workforce and create access to training and job skills that fit community needs.
For more information on Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit duke-energy.com/Foundation.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.